A security exchange with Phoenix's aviation director

Krietor: Well, you know, we're not operating those security checkpoints right now. If we were, we'd probably have a different attitude, a different level of customer service. The security guards who stopped this man were airline employees. They thought it was a weapon.

NT: A medal of honor?

Krietor: I know. I know. I've never seen one, so I can't imagine why they thought he could hijack a plane with one. Maybe it has sharp edges.

Kevin Scanlon

Stand-up guy: David Krietor bagged on his meeting with New Times, so Robrt Pela, pictured here, interviewed him by cell phone.

NT: He was 86 years old! They took away his bola tie!

Krietor: Things are going to change here pretty soon. We're constantly trying to convince the feds that they need to run security in a way that provides customer service. We're talking about ex-Secret Service people, so they're not people who really know or understand handling the public.

NT: You don't sound like you think they'll do a good job.

Krietor: The feds will do a good job of providing security, but we need to harp on them about customer service, about keeping things moving. Because people who've bought a $59 ticket to San Diego aren't going to want to wait in line for two or three hours, and then have to undress in public for some security guard.